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I'm a used car dealer with an S2000 problem. I have had 7 personal ones that I have put over 10k miles on at least. My previous S2000 I sold with 320+ thousand miles to a friend of a friend who managed to kill it in a 3 months. I added all of the reliability modifications & had driven the car for 8 hours straight without issue. Turns out, he added a stand alone ECU and was cold redlining it at 8500rpm every day and every gear. He'd also drag race his friends, no lift shifting, and over reving it even with his raised redline.... I was honestly impressed it lasted that long after finding that out.
I went to a 987.1 Cayman with a 997.1 swap. a LS3 C6 Corvette, a Turbo NB Miata, and a C7 Corvette (cheapest clean title under 100k miles) when I finally decided it was time to come home....
For me, I didn't want the the roll bar, Mugen style hardtop, the wing, and I wanted a soft top. It's a great price though for someone looking for a track build and 06+ are great when tuned.
I found another in Tallahassee Florida but it was a 9 hour drive. My girlfriend and I planned a Disney Vacation and turns out the guy's elderly mother lived near our AirBnB! I had it PPIed and went to check it out at his mother's place. We checked out the car, I used a paint meter & test drove the vehicle. Everything was fantastic, the owner had every record for the car which was previously his mother then he daily drove it to 68k miles. He was a detailer on the side while doing real-estate, kind of anal but for me it worked out. He had the PDI paperwork, the spring spacers, the air-deflectors, and all covers still fresh. I asked to check the soft top which he said he had them install the hardtop day 1. The soft top still had the plastic on the glass! Yep this thing was MINT and I bought. We enjoyed our Disney vacation and drove back all 6 hours back to South Carolina.
It's a 2 owner S2000, special ordered with a hardtop. 68,500 miles when I purchased it. Most of the records are from Honda or from LHT Performance.
It did have 1 accident causing the passenger front wheel and headlight to be replaced along with the bumper to be repainted. 9/10 VIN tags ain't bad though.
I'm in love anyways lots of words words words.
=====| Plans/Goals |=====
Spoiler
I drive my cars, it won't be a garage queen and it won't be a track only car. As much as I like the Wide Vented Fenders, BBKs, Blueprinted Turbo Blocks, and Crazy angle kits this car is going to be more of an OEM plus Type R. I want it to be more affordable and I plan to keep it primarily a street car with autocross as well but not class specific. This won't be a fast build by burning money, but I do plan on having it for awhile. I want it to handle being daily driven in our S.Carolina Summers. Reliability, running cost, and smiles per mile are what I'm looking for. Anyways onto the fun stuff.
=====| Modifications |=====
It's a short list right now. The owners kept it very stock, the car didn't even have the front air damns ever installed!
Spoiler
- Kyostar Battery Tie (look only)
- Modifry Tunnel Cupholder
- Modifry Dash Mount
- Modifry Windscreen Mount
- Modifry Glovebox Organizer
All of these are good products. With the AP1 Console I did need a usable cupholder. The Windscreen Mount for a Go-Pro and maybe a radar-detector, I didn't know they don't come with mounts anymore though. I would have 3D printed the organizer but I wanted to support Bob too. The original battery tie was just an eye sore & the Kyostar I had leftover from my previous S2000 which had a lightweight battery conversion.
- Skunk 2 Shift Knob:
This is just a leftover from a 8th Gen SI I sold. I like the heavier weight and it seems to sit shorter. I do want a SOS NSX Replica Knob or a Real one later.
- K&N Drop-in Filter+Airbox Mod:
The stock filters are nice but I wanted a bit more noise. Besides the Mugen and JDM Password Intake none really show consistent gains without heat soak. I did remove some of the baffle but haven't removed the Helmholtz Resonator yet. It adds some intake noise while keeping the head soak down.
- Audio:
Instead of getting a $100 head unit for USB/AUX/Bluetooth, then a $80 Modifry Converter. I just found a Outlet Expander and a USB FM Bluetooth transmitter so I can use my Radar detector until I hardwire it, fast charge my phone, and move stuff from car to car easier.
-Tint:
For now I did strip the installed dated early 2000's tint and had the front windshield tinted slightly. It's 80% so it's not noticable but will help with glare and heat. I may go to 70% later when I tint the rest of the car or replace the windshield. It's still the original Honda... no cracks but it is pitted.
- Floormats:
Instead of the NICE 4 piece Honda Mats I would be afraid of messing up. I would get the new "LuxAuto" All-weather Mats. Little more coverage and a bit more wear resistant. Not perfect, but better than I expected.
=====| Future Plans |=====
While I am not completely dead set on these, it's what I have decided for now. Based off some suggestions I might change them but here's what I got on mind.
Spoiler
- AP2v1 Rear Wheel Square(x4)
The lightest of all the 17" wheels for the S2000. I have read that the wheels for the front need either to me bored out to fit or a spacer so I'm going spacer route to be able to rotate tires.
- Misc:
- AP2 Intake Retainers w/ new AP1 Exhaust Retainers
- Stainless Brake Lines
- Radiator for cooling (suggestions? Koyo seems preferred)
- Billman's TCT Gen X
- Baero Brake Ducts (rear)
- Air Pump Delete
- Rain H8R modded Valve Cover
- LHT Brake Master Brace
- Some ETD
- Cooling Plate
- HONDATA Intake manifold gasket when I do Honda OEM Coolant Hoses.
- Maybe a Karcepts tune for the AP1 or another options
- Interior Upgrades:
- AP2 Center Console + Door
- 370Z Reverse Rear Mirror + Backup Cam
- NSX Type S style Shift Knob
- AP2 Red Door Panels
- Exhaust:
Really there are plenty of options. Right now I'm just considering picking up a 2nd hand Test Pipe with the O2 fix / Fouler and getting a friend to Fab up a single exhaust (Brad's Muffler Shop in Sumter SC).
- AP2v2 Transmission:
The AP2 does have stronger syncros and the shorter 1-4 gearing, similar 5th, and slightly taller 6th gear are just a bonus. The v2 cars also didn't have as much of an issue with 2nd gear pop out. Keep the AP1 Flywheel use a new OEM bearing but not sure on clutch yet. Feeling ACT+OEM for future proofing.
- AP1 Upper Control Arm Weld:
Spoon made a reinforcement kit for these which helps avoid the issue. Origin Fab also has one that's similar but more affordable. If you don't know about this, basically bigger sticky tires cause the mounts to come loose from the body so they need to be reinforced. It's just easier to weld them together better and paint back over them though.
- Subframe Ridge Collars:
Oddly I see a lot of people debating these. While Spoon is nice, I would get one of the other sellers just for price. This would give me a good opportunity to steam clean the subframes too.
- ECU Upgrade:
Just something to lower VTEC engagement and have the ability to tune it when I move to (spoilers) boost. Not sure which option in going with yet.
- Fuel Pump, Filter + Baffle:
Keep the fuel pump from starving and have enough room to grow. Just the usual Wallbro but with the Aluminum plate over the tub to keep fuel from spilling/splashing.
=====| Wish List |=====
While many of these items aren't rediculously priced, combined they do add up. I may or may not add these items later but it will be longer.
Spoiler
- NSX Type R Titanium Knob:
Look, some things you can't explain. My favorite car my father had was a 1993 NSX in 2002 and he had a TT Supra, and currently has a restored 1965 Stingray. This shift knob was my first manual transmission knob I got to shift myself so I think it's fitting. I mention budget but $300 shift knob...tell my girlfriend it was $100.
- Baero Brake Kit:
These kits are supposed to save you money for performance driving and perform better. It's hard to beat $25 blanks with good pads. This is the only option I found that has easy access to low cost replacements. I would like a Sakebomb rear kit but those use expensive rotors with RX8 calipers not factory rotors. Oh well.
- Gernby Testpipe+Exhaust:
Most likely not to make the build but one of the parts I respect the most! The engineering and testing behind this piece is something you should look into however the B in my build is for Budget so I will stick with a Test Pipe or High Flow Cat and have a custom fabbed light-weight exhaust. Urge/Gernby do make the most out of a NA engine by increasing the scavenger effect at lower RPMs and combined with a lower VTEC tune it's awesome!
- Urge Unicorn Header:
Like the Gernby exhaust, this is one of the few consistent power upgrades over stock. They look amazing, and sound great. They have specialized ones for NA or FI and Strokers. It's a big one to consider but the PLM does also have good gains for 1/4 the price.
- Forced Induction:
As a car dealer, I know F&I but Forced Induction I am also familiar with. The S in S2000 should mean Supercharged. I do like the SoS kit but the IVS TVS 1320 Blower looks to be a better kit for me due to the torque and packaging. I wanted a positive displacement blower so it looks promising but time will tell. Maybe we'll have other options by then...
- Puddymod Diff:
With great power comes gear responsibility. The AP1 diffs aren't well known for their ability to take abuse so a upgrade would be short following the Supercharger if not before. I'm not sure what gearing I would want either. (True wish would be a quick change but it's a street car).
=====| Suggestions |=====
While this is my build, I'm not completely set on everything. I would like to hear some opinions and reviews from people about these subjects/parts.
Spoiler
- Wheels:
I want to run square wheels without having to relocate tabs, roll the fenders, and be able to rotate front to rear to extend tire life. If you have options let me hear them.
- Final Drive:
I'm not sure which ratio would be best for me. I think I may go for taller overall gearing to have 1-4 AP2 similar to AP1 but have the taller 5-6 for a bit less drone and better mpg. This would be when Supercharged too and I do want to be able to not spin horribly 1-3.
- "Ballade" CR Style Poly Bumper:
This item I'm on the fence about. I haven't had a good experience yet with Ballade and hear worse. However I like the look, the integrated grill, the brake ducts, and the flat under portion. It being Poly is also nice too. I haven't heard much at all about it however. I could buy it from Shine but I may just go OEM CR with a replica lip for cheaper.
- Suspension:
Everyone says each coilovers brand is good or this one is bad. I really liked by digressive BC's on my Vette, and Miata however Fortune Auto seems promising.
- Seats:
Lighter weight, lower seating, sliding, RED, comfortable, able to fit 36" waist and 6'2 (I'm 6'1 33").
I love the Pole Positions but expired FIA seats don't seem safe to me.
- Headlight Mods:
I would like a RHD passenger headlight to not have the adjustment limiter. Maybe painted housing and smoked running lights. The headlights were upgraded and are a bit too blue for me currently. I would like a more white LED bulb. Are there any plug in LED running lights as well that match & what's your chosen method of sealant against hazing.
=====| Closing |=====
Unfortunately you have to add spoilers each time you edit a post...annoying on mobile but I will figure it out later.
So far so good. Currently I am going to change the oil, check over the car, test/fix my P1457 error, and clean the underbody of the car a bit more. I do also think I should get some aluminum tape and tape my wheel weights just in case. I do also need to add my modifry soft top straps and find a tonneau cover to use while the hardtop is on. I currently just have an old blanket to protect the top from the sun.
The valve adjustment has already been done as well and retainers look to be in good shape. I do want to experience this a bit more as I enjoy doing the little things.
Well it's been a rough year since I posted this. Covid really had a huge affect on our lives but since car sales is an essential business I actually drove more.
From 69k to 77k it's been fun! I did need to get a new Floor Jack and the daily driver STi was down due to a steering rack leaking. This jack somehow fit up front just fine for the trip home EVEN with the hardtop on. I also picked this up off of Facebook for wayyyy too cheap. All it needed was an oil change and a few seals replaced. Good as new! I did add some quick release attachments to it for easier storage. It also has a MONSTER of a cord so I just use an extension anyways for it. It's easy enough to get rolled up. Even with an older foam gun it works great for cleaning the car or the storage shed. I even pressure washed my entire fence out back with no issues. However you guys probably just want to see the car..
I'm sure nobody here wants to know about my maintenance items but 3 oil changes, clutch fluid twice, brake fluid, and a diff bushing (driver side) were all that were done so far.
The previous owner did have LHT Performance do the spark plugs, transmission + differential fluid, a coolant flush, and all so it's pretty well together, I did double check them though. It even had a clean cabin air filter!
The P1457 code was due to a O-ring in the Charcoal canister leaking. I replaced that & it's been solid for almost a full year, I don't think it's coming back.
Billman's 9V battery and suck/blow testing did work to show what was working but pulling the canister I found it was a simple O-ring that I had from a variety pack.
I did manage to pickup some parts and now that I have passed the "I might sell it" part and into the "It just needs..." part I wanted to go through it.
Shaking up the Shifter:
Shift knobs are a preference & I prefer a slightly taller knob on the stock shifter. The leverage gained helps going into gear when everything is cold, it makes finding the right gear even easier, and it slows down my shifting just a tad which makes it smoother.
The Delrin shifter was great for hot days as it doesn't change with temperature but I didn't like the look or fit in my hand. The OEM knob is fine but I just didn't like the height or shift feel. This Skunk2 knob I had from a trade in Civic SI did a decent job as it's a bit heavier than OEM but the height I didn't like still.
Weighted Delrin Knob, Original OEM, Skunk 2 from another car. The shifter fits nice and doesn't hit the dash or my phone when driving either!
The NSX Type S knob I wanted I actually got for free! One of my father's friends owned an Acura dealership for about 30 years. When visiting my parents he came over & was ogling the S2000 talking about how he loved his & his NSX. After talking with him for awhile while doing my dad's FJ Cruiser's timing belt he left & came back with lunch & a Type S knob that he had on his NSX. It fit like a glove
On the driver's side it looks similar but there's my shifter again And a top down view. I made a Radar detector mount using Modifry's windscreen mount. Much cheaper than one of the Forum guy's and I can swap it to my Go Pro for mountain drives or Autocross. The center console I also found at a Pull-a-Part in an Acura TSX. Took it apart, cleaned it up, and installed it. Maybe I'll wrap it to match the Titanium shifter or Carbon like everyone else...
These Lux Mats came into the market about when I made the post originally but man they hold up well. The 2 piece mats look fantastic but these protect my carpet more. They also have a bit of grip to them as well
Just another view before I added the side clips. With US size 12.5 shoes I still have great dead pedal space to not touch the clutch pedal. It's easy to remove and wipe down or wash with a hose. A bit of 303 is great for a drying aid to add some protection for it too. This is 1 year of use after a wipe down.
When changing the knob I figured let's to it right and also changed the worn shifter bushings and re-greased the transmission. It's a two handed job so I didn't get many pictures to avoid touching my phone with the High Temp Urea Grease. Some people prefer the brass bushing but the plastic is softer so I like having the wear on a serviceable part instead.
After wiping them clean dipping them in some HOT water for a bit helps make them come off easily.
There's been more changes but that's enough for one post.
11-15-2019, 08:51 AM
Live Fast's Ironically Slow Build
